Education notes

The Roslindale High School Class of 1966 will hold a 40-something reunion celebration on Saturday, May 5, at the Roslindale House (in the school’s auditorium).

For more details and to update your contact information, call Rich McLaughlin at 617-325-2304 or e-mail mclaugh@nsths.mec.edu or Janice Benda Koenig at 617-327-8614 or e-mail jkoenig@rcn.com.

Roxbury Latin School’s Giant Yard Sale

The Roxbury Latin School will be holding its 29th annual Giant Yard Sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. The sale takes place at the school, 101 St. Theresa Ave., West Roxbury.

The yard sale will be held rain or shine in the school’s gymnasium. A wide variety of items are priced to sell and organized into categories: books, appliances, furniture, clothing, baked goods, jewelry, boutique items, sports equipment, linens and toys.

The yard sale benefits Roxbury Latin and its roughly 275 boys in grades seven to 12.

For information, call Matt and Elaine Carroll at 617-325-4529; or Giorgio and Claire Poles at 617-472-9761. Directions to the school can be found at www.roxburylatin.org.

Help the Sumner School

The Friends of the Sumner School are organizing a 50/50 raffle to raise money for computers and arts programming at the Sumner Elementary School in Roslindale.

The winning ticket will be drawn during the 75th anniversary celebration of the school on Saturday, May 19. The winner will split the money raised with the Friends of the Sumner.

Tickets are $20 each and are being sold at the Tremont Credit Union office in Roslindale Square or call Ruth Bodian at 857-498-0877 or e-mail rbodian@gmail.com with “raffle” written in the subject line.

The amount of money in the prize depends on the number of tickets sold. Minimum number of tickets to be sold is one. Maximum number of tickets to be sold is 1,000.

Sumner celebrating 75 years of education

On May 19, the Charles Sumner Elementary School, 15 Basile St., Roslindale, is presenting Super Saturday at the Sumner, a daylong event to commemorate the school’s 75th anniversary.

Celebrations will include a family festival on the school grounds from noon-3 p.m. with food, music, petting zoo and children’s activities.

An evening gala dinner will be held from 6-11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Roslindale.

For more information, contact Ruth Bodian at 857-498-0877 or e-mail rbodian@gmail.com.

MCAS exam time is here

MCAS testing for students in the Boston Public Schools is now under way. Students in grades 3 through 10 are taking one or more sections of the test, including some “pilot” tests for which no scores will be reported.

BPS has produced a tip sheet, “MCAS ... It Counts!,” to help families prepare for the exams. Schools sent the tip sheet home to families and it can also be found, along with translations in several languages, on the BPS Web site at www.boston.k12.ma.us/teach/mcas.asp.

·May 24-31: U.S. History (Pilot Test*), grade 10 and 11 students enrolled in U.S. history.

·June 5-6: High School Science, grade 9-10 students enrolled in biology, chemistry, intro. physics or technology/engineering.

Some sections of the MCAS (including MELA-O and MEPA exams for English Language Learners and MCAS Retest) were administered earlier in the school year.

Scholarship to study art

The West Roxbury Art Association is offering its Janet Murphy Art Scholarship to any Parkway student who has completed high school and plans to continue their education in art studies.

This scholarship is given in honor of an accomplished painter and a member of the West Roxbury Art Association.

For more information, contact Eileen Donnelly at 617-325-3445.

Global warming youth summit on May 19

MIT is hosting a global warming youth summit from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.

Middle and high school students concerned about the environment are invited to help build a Boston-area climate action network of schools and youth groups. Students may participate in workshops, multi-media sessions and hands-on organizing for youth activism.

Underground Railway Theatre will be performing segments of the “Eco Cabaret.” Renowned global warming expert Kerry Emanuel will open the summit.

Raffle prizes, breakfast and lunch will be included.

The event is free, but participants must register online at www.blsyouthcan.org. Remember to choose breakout groups.

The Boston Latin School Climate Action Network is sponsoring the event.

Class of 1967 getting together on Sept. 15

The Roslindale High School Class of 1967 will hold its 40th reunion celebration on Sept. 15 at Skyline Restaurant, Marina Bay, Quincy.

For more details and to update contact information, contact Pat Watson at 617-325-8855 or Sylvia (Salvato) Nogueira at 781-910-5229.

Congress is holding an art contest

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch has announced the opening of “An Artistic Discovery,” the 26th annual Congressional Art Competition. This competition is open to all high school students who reside in the 9th Congressional District.

The winner will have his or her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a full year. Additionally, there will be a reception in Washington, D.C., for all art competition winners and their families to celebrate the opening of the exhibit.

To highlight the talent of art students in the 9th Congressional District, the artwork of all students who enter the competition will be displayed this summer at their local town hall or public library.

The competition is now open for submissions, and all entries must be received by May 10. Entries should be sent to Lynch’s Boston District office and marked to the attention of Kenya Beaman.

“I hope that every high school student with a passion for art takes part in this exciting competition,” said Lynch. “Last year, we had dozens of outstanding entries, and I am proud to have the artwork of last year’s winner, James Leonard of Avon, representing our district in Washington. I look forward to viewing all of this year’s submissions and displaying one of them in the U.S. Capitol this summer.”

For more information, contact Lynch’s office at 617-428-2000 or refer to his Web site,www.house.gov/lynch.

Hill School accepting applications

The Hill School in Roslindale is now accepting applications for preschoolers for September. There are also some mid-year openings available. The Hill School offers a comprehensive program that includes prereading and beginning math skills as well as fine motor development and socialization skills.

The school emphasizes the positive side of learning and discovery in small classes. Art is also a major part of the learning process.

Entrance age for the 3-year-old program is 2.9 years. Entrance age for the 4-year-old program is 3.9.

The school offers two morning programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and an afternoon K-1 style program.

The Hill School is at 136 Orange St. off the West Roxbury Parkway in Roslindale.

Call and make an appointment to visit the school. For more information, call Mary Bernazzani at 617-327-1846.

Beram Veterans announces scholarships

The Nicholas G. Beram Veterans’ Association is now accepting application for its Scholastic Achievement Award Program, now in its 41st year.

An undetermined number of $1,000 awards to deserving high school seniors will be presented at the Beram Awards Banquet on Nov. 24 at the Holiday Inn in Dedham. Students who are currently high school seniors, have applied to an accredited college or university and who are of Arabic-speaking background are invited to pick up an application now available at 14 churches and institutions in greater Boston or download the application at www.stiohnd.org/ngberam.

Eugene P. Tinory, Major Artv, is chairman of the Scholastic Awards Committee that will evaluate the applications in June. Deadline for submitting applications to Tinory is June 1. All procedural information is on the application.

Summer chess camp at Roxbury Latin

A one-week intensive camp at the Roxbury Latin School will be conducted by internationally ranked senior chess master Jacob Rasin, an experienced teacher who has coached many of New England’s best young masters, Team USA members, World Championship and Pan American Championship participants, and national and state champions. The course will cover tactics, strategy, openings, middlegames, endgames and problems.

Boys and girls of all levels of play (entering grade six through grade 12, including graduated seniors) are encouraged to participate. Cost is $240. Financial aid is available.

The camp is limited to 18 students and is expected to fill rapidly. To reserve a place, call Joan Regan at 617-325-4920 or e-mail joan.regan@roxburylatin.org.

The Boston Public Schools is seeking licensed teachers of prekindergarten through high school to fill open teaching positions for the 2007-2008 school year. Today, the district posted more than 600 professional opportunities — weeks earlier than last year’s first posting and months earlier than in previous years.

Many of the district’s 145 schools have posted opportunities for teaching positions in a variety of grade levels, educational programs and subject areas. Like school districts across the country, Boston has identified a particularly high demand for teachers of mathematics, science and special education, as well as bilingual teachers experienced in working with English Language Learners.

The Office of Human Resources has launched an online Career Center, where all applicants post resumés and search for teaching opportunities: www.bostonpublicschools.org/jobs/.

Prior to beginning teaching at BPS, all new teachers must:

· Have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university, or approved international degree;

· Hold a current teaching license with the Massachusetts Department of Education in the teacher’s subject area; and

· Have current authorization to work in the United States.

Boston Public Schools offers its teachers one of the most competitive compensation packages in the state, as well as the unique opportunity to work with diverse student populations in an urban setting. The average salary for Boston teachers is $70,256, which is more $14,000 higher than the average salary among all Massachusetts cities and towns. Teachers new to BPS who have only a bachelor’s degree earn $42,355 per year, compared to an average of $37,332 for the 19 communities surrounding Boston.

Candidates are encouraged to apply for the Boston Teacher Residency program for aspiring teachers. BTR is a 12-month program to recruit, prepare and license teachers to work in the city’s schools while earning licensure and a degree. The program is a collaboration among the BPS, Boston Plan for Excellence and Strategic Grant Partners. For more information, visit www.bpe.org/btr/.

For more information, visit www.bostonpublicschools.org.

Sacred Heart School registration

Sacred Heart School, accredited by New England Schools and Colleges, is a 3-year-old through grade eight program in Roslindale servicing a multicultural population.

Tours are available by appointment by calling the school office at 617-323-2500.

KO — Must be 3 years old by Aug. 31. Registration fee of $500 applied toward tuition.

KI — Must be 4 years old by Aug. 31. Registration fee of $500 applied toward tuition.

The following information is required for the child at registration: birth certificate, baptismal certificate, Social Security card, immunization record and registration fee.

Grades two to eight — Copy of last year’s report card and the most recent report card.

BTU’s Homework Helper program

The Boston Teachers Union is launching its third annual Homework Helper program, sponsored by the BTU, the Boston School Department, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Tremont Credit Union.

The Homework Helper program provides free after-school tutoring by Boston Public Schools teachers at the Boston Public Central Library and 27 local library branches. All Boston students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade are invited. Teachers will be on hand every week from 4-6 p.m. to assist with homework assignments and answer questions. Tutoring sessions are on the days when the neighborhood library branch has extended hours.

The local Homework Helper program takes place at the libraries in Roslindale, 4238 Washington St., on Wednesdays; and in West Roxbury, 1961 Centre St., Mondays and Thursdays. The program runs from 4-6 p.m. on the days specified every week.

Citizen Schools seek volunteers

Citizen Schools at the Irving Middle School, 105 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, are looking for mentors from the community for their program.

Citizen Schools operate a national network of apprenticeship programs for youth that connects middle school students with adult volunteers in hands-on learning. At Citizen Schools, students develop the academic and leadership skills they need to do well in school, get into college, and become leaders in their careers and in their communities.

For more information, contact campus director Dan Blocker at 617-695-2300, ext. 108, or by e-mail at danblocker@citizenschools.org.

Volunteers needed in Boston Public Schools

Boston Partners in Education, Boston’s leader in school volunteerism, is looking for volunteers to tutor and mentor Boston public school students for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year. Volunteers work with students in grades kindergarten through 12 in various subject areas such as math and literacy.

There are opportunities for volunteers to work during the school day, or on some evenings and Saturday mornings. The minimum volunteer commitment is one hour per week. The application process involves an interview, mentor training and a reference check. Join this proven program and be a vital part of a student’s success story.

To register, visit www.bostonpartners.org and complete the volunteer registration form. For more information, e-mail or call Jordan McCarron, recruitment manager, at jmccarron@bostonpartners.org or 617-451-6145.

Summer guide for students

The Boston Public Schools has released new editions of two popular publications listing hundreds of summer camps, classes, activities, internships and job opportunities for the coming summer. Summer Stuff 2007 for grades 6-12 and Summer Stuff Jr. 2007 for kindergarten-grade 5 are available in all Boston Public Schools and Family Resource Centers, as well as public libraries, community centers, YMCA branches, City Hall, and Head Start pre-schools.

Additional free copies are available at the BPS central office, 26 Court Street, Boston. Both editions of Summer Stuff are also available on the BPS Web site, www.bostonpublicschools.org.

Summer Stuff is produced by the BPS Communications Office. For information, call 617-635-9265 or e-mail to: communications@boston.k12.ma.us.

BU holding design competition

The Boston University College of Engineering is inviting high school students from throughout the Northeast to participate in its 17th annual Design Competition on Sunday, June 3, in Boston.

Teams of two students each will design and build vehicles that will, under their own power, perform a series of tasks while ascending or descending a sloped ramp. First- and second-place winners will receive Boston University scholarships.

Registration is open to high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The vehicles used during the engineering competition are designed and made from everyday materials and are limited only by the imagination of the students.

For more information about the competition and to register, visit www.bu.edu/eng/design. The registration deadline is Friday, May 4.

City Services

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Roslindale Transcript ~ 254 Second Ave., Needham, Massachusetts 02494 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service